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BoCC

The Commissioners have set in place a hierarchy of departments to assist you with your question more quickly and efficiently than waiting for a time on the agenda. Should you not reach resolution with our Directors and fellow Elected Officials, you can Contact Beth Luther (303)679-2312 to schedule with either the County Administrator or the Board of Commissioners. Division Directors:Land Use (building, planning, zoning, environmental health): Frederick Rollenhagen- frollenhagen@co.clear-creek.co.usPublic Works (road & bridge, noxious weeds): Rod Hamilton- rhamilton@co.clear-creek.co.usSpecial Projects (water, county lands for sale, reservoirs): Lisa Leben - lleben@co.clear-creek.co.usFinance (budgets and Human Resources): Carl Small - csmall@co.clear-creek.co.usHealth & Human Services (Ambulance, Emergency Management, Public Health, Social Services): Cindy Dicken - cdicken@me.comInformation Technology: John Bottomley, jbottomley@co.clear-creek.co.us Mapping, GIS: Matt Taylor - mtaylor@co.clear-creek.co.usCounty Archivist: Christine Bradley, cbradley@co.clear-creek.co.us

Meeting minutes and recordings of the meetings are written/recorded for "Action" items on the agenda only. Most of the minutes are located online on the County Commissioners' webpage,http://www.co.clear-creek.co.us/Archive.aspx?AMID=38. Minutes take some time to complete as the Board requires copious minutes. Contact Beth Luther at 303-679-2312 or bluther@co.clear-creek.co.us if you do not see what you are looking for.

There are two permits that are needed to be filled out one is the link that follows 'Open Burn Permits' and the other you need to copy and past into the address bar of your browser. The one that follows: http://www.co.clear-creek.co.us/DocumentCenter/View/6347 Open Burn Permit

All dwellings must meet the minimum code requirements, which include light, heat, ventilation, kitchen, bath facilities, etc. These requirements can be found in Chapter 3 of the 2009 International Residential Code.

Depending on the extent of the remodel and the size of the shed, a permit may be required. For any of the other improvements or installations, a permit is required. Please contact the Building Department at 303-679-2343 for further information

The building permits issued by Clear Creek County will include all of the plumbing, mechanical and framing for the construction described in the permit but does not include the electrical work, which is regulated, permitted and inspected by the State Electrical Department, www.dora.state.co.us/electrical or 303-894-2300.

The building permit fee is determined by the size and scope of the proposed construction and is calculated when the permit is being processed. Please contact the Plans Examiner at 303-679-2343 if you need an estimate of this fee.

Clear Creek County does not require a county license for general contractors. Property owners are encouraged to get references and check with agencies such as the Better Business Bureau for background on any contractor they are considering hiring. The State requires all Plumbing and Electrical Contractors be licensed through the State.

Chapter 9 of the 2009 International Residential Code or Chapter 15 of the 2009 International Building Code. Both codes were amended to require Class A rated roofing material or Class A rated assembly for roofing such as wood shakes or shingles, rolled roofing, membrane roofing, etc. that are not Class A rated materials. Other requirements are:Complete tear off is required; Drip edge on eave and rake; Ice barrier from eave to minimum 24” up from exterior wall line; Venting must be added where insufficient and when applicable; Mid-roof inspection is required;

Property owners are allowed to act as the contractor for their own residence but if a subcontractor is hired for the plumbing or electrical installation, that subcontractor must hold a license from the State of Colorado.

LUG - Division

Various departments within the Community Development Division can help you answer this question. First, be sure you have the physical address of the property or the legal description or parcel number or Assessor’s “R” number. The name of the current owner could also facilitate your research.

Then our Planning Department planning@co.clear-creek.co.us can assist you in determining if the zoning is appropriate for your proposed use.

The next question you will want to explore is the legal and physical access to the property. Our Site Development Department sitedev@co.clear-creek.co.us can assist you in this determination, but you may need to engage a title insurance company for a definitive answer. Site Development personnel can also help you analyze site characteristics that will influence the ease or difficulty of developing the site.

One more aspect to explore is how you will provide water and sanitation on the site. Our Environmental Health Department eh@co.clear-creek.co.us can assist you with analyzing this issue.

Because Clear Creek County is so close to the Denver metro area, it is a popular location for both full-time residents and those who want a weekend cabin. Our development pattern has shown us that weekend cabins inevitably get increased use, often evolving to full-time residences. In order to protect the health of the cabin users and neighboring property owners, we require living conditions that are protective of individual and public health.

If the subdivision plat and/or survey of the parcel do not clearly demonstrate access, title research is needed. Title insurance companies that operate in Clear Creek County can be found using an online search.

Maps of properties in Clear Creek County are available online through our Mapping Department mapping@co.clear-creek.co.us. This can be a good place to start your research, but be aware that the online maps are not survey accurate. If the property you are researching has been surveyed, and the survey has been recorded with the County Clerk, you may be able to acquire a copy through their office clerk@co.clear-creek.co.us.

The answer to this question is, “Maybe.” In 2009 the Colorado Legislature passed a law that makes this activity possible in very specific situations. Local governments do not have the authority to approve this activity, but we have provided a link to the state’s guidance on this question. http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite?blobcol=urldata&blobheader=application%2Fpdf&blobkey=id&blobtable=MungoBlobs&blobwhere=1251597990496&ssbinary=true If you meet all of the qualifications for this activity you will need to submit a permit application to the Colorado Division of Water Resources. http://water.state.co.us/SurfaceWater/SWRights/Pages/RainwaterGraywater.aspx

Generally speaking, this use is not allowed in Clear Creek County. However, a discussion with our Planning Department staff planning@co.clear-creek.co.us may help you explore possibilities relating to your specific site and intentions.

If you own vacant land in Clear Creek County you may camp on that land for limited periods of times with a permit from the Planning Department planning@co.clear-creek.co.us. You will be required to give assurance that an approved sanitation facility is available at all times.

Federal and state land use laws and regulations aside, the County has established land use regulations to protect the public health, safety and welfare. Our regulations are also based upon the desire of its citizens to manage growth and development in a responsible manner. Clear Creek County established zoning districts in 1964, followed in subsequent years by Subdivision Regulations and a County Master Plan. These documents went through lengthy public processes that provided public input and guidance prior to implementation. The result is policy that provides a balance between the rights and responsibilities of property owners and the needs of our community as a whole.

LUG - Environmental Health

Feel free to call 303-679-2420. You must provide your name, the nature of the complaint and the address where the problem is occurring. Please be aware that anonymous complaints will not be processed, however, the environmental health department will do its best to maintain anonymity of complaintant. If an investigation is made on the complaint, you may be notified of the results.

You must submit an OWTS application, an engineering report, a copy of your water supply system, a zoning disclosure form, a construction site sanitation form, and the application fee. These forms can be found on the Clear Creek County website here; or picked up at the Clear Creek County Annex Building, 1111 Rose Street in Georgetown. Forms can be submitted to the County Annex Building 8 am – 4:00 pm Monday through Friday. Environmental health staff is available from 8- 9:30 am Monday through Friday for direct assistance.

Start at the Clear Creek County website, www.co.clear-creek.co.us, and click on County Online Services. Then click on Land Use Permit Search and then click on Permit Search. Enter the requested information on your property. A list of permits will appear. Select the “ISDS” or "OWTS" Type for your address. There is information available for site, permit, contact, payment and permit attachments. If you have further questions, you may contact Land Use at 303-679-2430.

LUG - Planning

The property type on the Assessor’s website is not the same as the zone district. Please send an email to planning@co.clear-creek.co.us or phone (303) 679-2436, or fax (303) 569-1103 with a legal description and/or tax schedule number, and the last name of property owner for the property in question to verify your zone district. The County zoning maps may be viewed on-line Clear map

Setback requirements and uses are based on the zoning district; the County’s Zoning Resolution may be accessed online or by calling (303) 679-2436. Note: Planned Developments (PDs) have specific setback requirements. Hard Copies of the Zoning Resolution may be purchased from the Planning Department for a cost of $16.04 or $20.54 if mailed.

It is likely that subdividing will change the property tax status of your property. Questions regarding property tax related issues should be directed to the Clear Creek County Assessor’s Office at (303)679-2315.

In the State of Colorado, properties of less than 35 acres in size may not be created without approval of the local government. Executing a deed for a property under 35 acres in size without gaining approval from the local government can result in that property being considered an illegal subdivision. Clear Creek County will not issue permits of any type for illegally subdivided properties.

If your property is part of a previously platted subdivision or division, there will be a plat on file with the Clerk and Recorders Office at (303)679-2340. These plats may be viewed by the public during business hours and will show the location of the surveyor’s pins which mark the property boundaries. Property owners may also look for these pins on their property to determine existing property boundaries. If not previously recorded plats exist and no pins can be found, property owners may choose to have their property surveyed by a Professional Land Surveyor.

Obtain and complete a Complaint Form. Submit the form by Email, fax at (303)569-1103, or mail it to Planning Department P.O. Box 2000 Georgetown, CO 80444 or go to CRM Trak. If you do not have access to a computer, you can call (303) 679-2436 or (303) 679-2382 and we will mail you a complaint form. Zoning complaint form

A recreational vehicle within the County for a period of two (2) weeks from the time such recreational vehicle first arrives in the County, provided that during such time sanitary facilities are available at all times to the occupants of the recreational vehicle. For additional information, please contact the Planning Department at (303) 679-2436.

No, vacant land in Clear Creek County must remain vacant until a principal permitted use is established of a special use is obtained. The storage of one (1) unoccupied recreational vehicle is allowed as an accessory use to an existing legal Permitted Principal Use.

Section 1008.1 Junk of the Zoning Regulations states No owner, agent, or occupant of any property shall be allowed to accumulate junk, including any incomplete, extensively damaged, or unlicensed vehicles, within view from adjacent private property or public rights-of-way. The property owner can be fined or can receive jail time depending on the offense. How do I file a complaint? Zoning complaint form

You can come into our office in Georgetown to purchase a complete copy for $16:04, request a copy to be mailed to you for $20.54, request a CD copy for $10, or request a few pages of specified information to be faxed, mailed, or emailed.

If the property is less than an acre the accessory structure is limited to less than 120 square feet, unless a variance is obtained. An accessory structure must always meet the current setbacks associated with your zone district. Any accessory structure over 120 square feet must obtain a building permit.

Please note: An accessory structure may not be occupied as a dwelling. Even though the accessory structure may or may not need a building permit.

LUG - Site Development

A single page application, which provides necessary information, must be filled out completely and signed by the applicant. This is submitted to the Planning Department along with an engineered site plan that illustrates property lines, driveway and building site locations, dimensions and grades, off-site erosion control mitigation, and any other pertinent site characteristics. A zoning disclosure form is also required to be submitted at this time. In-office hours for the Site Development Administrator are Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 9:30 am.Please expect a minimum 2-3 week review time window for driveway permit applications.

New building construction or additions that are over 400 square feet in area, or new driveway excavations require compliance with the permitting process.

Driveway permits are required for existing driveways, unless a previous finalized driveway permit, signed and dated after January 1989, has been issued.

Defensible space inspections are required for new construction and additions greater than 400 square feet.

Floodplain requirements are necessary if the construction occurs in an area indicated as "Zone A" on the F.E.M.A. Flood Insurance Rating Map.

Clear Creek County requires the use of Best Management Practices for any soil disturbances. Applicants are to prohibit erosion and sedimentation from occurring off site, during and after construction. This compliance is a requirement for all construction activities, and is included in the Driveway and Building Site Excavation Permit. For any large scale disturbance of 2,500 cubic yards / 20,000 square feet or greater the separate "BMP" permit is required.

A sales tax license is not needed from the County – this is obtained from the State because the State of Colorado Department of Revenue collects Clear Creek County tax. All sales tax and lodging tax collected is remitted to the State and then distributed by the State to the County. To obtain a sales tax license with the State of Colorado or for specific questions about sales tax, visit the Colorado Department of Revenue, www.revenue.state.co.us ,or call 303-238-7378.

SALES TAX RATES

Clear Creek County Sales Tax rate is 1 percent.

In addition, there is a County Lodging Tax rate of 2 percent.

Colorado State sales tax rate is 2.9 percent. [§39-26-106 C.R.S.]

Contact the City of Idaho Springs, 303-567-4421, Town of Georgetown, 303-569-2555, the Town of Empire, 303-569-2978, or the Town of Silver Plume, 303-569-2363, for tax rates within their jurisdictions.

To find out whether a local government has a sales tax, what the rate is, and whether it is home rule, request "Colorado Sales/Use Tax Rates" (DRP 1002). This publication is updated each January and July and is located on the State Web site at www.taxcolorado.com

Mapping

Clear Creek County has an extensive collection of current and historic aerial photos dating back to 1938. This collection is available online via our Historic Clear Creek interactive map. Once the map is open you will see a multitude of colored stars. Each star represents the center of a single historic photo from a certain time period. To view a photo, right click on a colored star and select "What's Here". The photo information will be displayed in the results pane on the left hand side of the page. Click on the "View Photo" link to see the image for that year. Interactive Map

Clear Creek County has an interactive mapping application called “ClearMap” to search and view properties within its boundaries. To open ClearMap, click the link below. To search for a property, choose your search method by clicking on the "I want to.." button in the top left hand corner of the map area and select your preferred search method. ClearMap

Yes, the Mapping Department can create custom maps. Our fees are based on an hourly rate of $60/hour, with a one hour minimum charge. If you are interested please come in and see us or submit an online request form here Online Request

If you need something that is not on the GIS Download page we may be able to help. Depending on the request we may charge for time and material to prepare the data. To request additional data call us at 303.679.2436 or submit an online form here: Submit Request

Clear Creek County provides two mapping resources on our website. The first is our interactive mapping application called ClearMap. This application allows you to turn on and off different map layers, query and identify features, add text and other markup, and produce PDF maps that you can save, email or print.For a list of other map products such as zoning maps, road maps, or Commissioner District maps click link below. You can also obtain printed versions of these maps at the Annex Building located at 1111 Rose St. in Georgetown.Other Map Products

Master Plans

PEH - Health Emergencies

Any county-wide public health emergency will be posted on this county web site in the "Alert" category. You can also hear about it in the local media (Clear Creek Courant or KYGT Radio Station). In the event of an immediate threat, the Sheriff's Department uses the reverse 911 calling system. Be sure you are registered. If you have any question or need more general information call the Public and Environmental Health Department at 303-670-7544.

Symptoms from a food-borne illnesses can take anywhere from two hours to two weeks to occur. If you suspect food poisoning, immediately contact Clear Creek County Public & Environmental Health at 303-679-2335 to provide information on the foods eaten. You may be asked to provide a food history to insure that the illness was not obtained from another source. You should also contact your doctor to run tests to determine if you contracted a specific disease.

Contact the Division of Wildlife (303-297-7123) or the Clear Creek County Animal Control Unit (303-679-2398) to capture the animal so that it may be tested for rabies. Only detain the animal if you can do so without further injury to yourself. Immediately wash the wound with warm soapy water and seek medical attention. Contact Clear Creek County Public & Environmental Health for further instructions at 303-679-2335.

All vaccinations recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) are available at the Nursing Office/Community Resource Center in Idaho Springs. These include tetanus, diphtheria, hepatitis A and B, shingles and pneumonia. Please call in advance for pricing and availability. Flu shot clinics are advertised each fall. Watch for flyers and notices in the newspaper and for dates posted on this web site.

Free pregnancy tests are offered and assistance with enrolling in local programs is given to ensure a healthy pregnancy.Some of the programs offered are:

Woman, Infant and Children Program (WIC); an income-qualifying education and nutrition program for pregnant women, breastfeeding women, postpartum women, as well as infants and children under five years of age.Medicaid enrollment assistance.Child Health Plan Plus (a health insurance program for uninsured or underinsured children).Baby and Me Tobacco Free (education and incentive program for pregnant mom and new mother’s to quit tobacco).Nurse Family Partnership (a visiting nurse program for first-time mothers)Referrals to medical providers and resources.

Although resources for adult dental care programs are limited, some assistance with referrals is possible. Call us for information. Medicaid or Child Health Plan (CHP) provides information on resources for children’s dental care. The nursing staff can assist you. Cavity Free by Three offers a free oral exam and fluoride varnish treatment in the Nursing Office for four years and under. For information on these programs call 303-670-7546.

A good place to start is at the Public Health Nurses Office in the Community Resource Center in Idaho Springs. A variety of programs are available. Programs for Women’s Infants and Children (WIC) offer assistance with nutritional food vouchers and education for feeding all members of the family. Assistance with breast feeding and breast pump loaners for WIC clients also is available. Growth and development monitoring of your child also is available. Call us at 303-670-7546.

PEH-EH-Animal and Insect Disease Control

Contact the Division of Wildlife (303-297-7123) or the Clear Creek County Animal Control Unit (303-679-2398) to capture the animal so that it may be tested for rabies. Only detain the animal if you can do so without further injury to yourself. Immediately wash the wound with warm soapy water and seek medical attention. Keep pets and children away from sick or dead animals. Do not dispose of a dead animal because it may need to be tested for disease. Contact Clear Creek County Public and Environmental Health for further instructions at 303-679-2335.

PEH-EH-Food Safety

Symptoms from a food-borne illness can take anywhere from two hours to two weeks to months to occur. If you suspect food poisoning, immediatly contact us at 303-679-2335 to provide information on the foods consumed. You may be asked to provide a food history to ensure that the illness was not obtained from another source. We strongly suggest you contact your doctor to run tests to determine if you contracted a specific disease, as this greatly aids in the investigation.

In order to open a retail food business in Clear Creek County, you must notify the Environmental Health Department of the proposed location of your business. After that the steps are as follows: Fill out a plan review packet available on-line or at the County Annex Bldg. and apply for a retail or mobile food establsihment license. Rules and regulations for both retail and mobile establishments can be found here.

PEH-EH-Septic

You must submit an OWTS application, an engineering report, a copy of your water supply system, a zoning disclosure form, a construction site sanitation form, and the application fee. The forms can be found here; or can be picked up at the County Annex Bldg. in Georgetown. Forms are submitted at the Annex 8-4 p.m., Mon. - Fri. Envrionmental health staff is available from 8 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Mon. - Fri. if you need direct assistance. For more information contact the Environmental Health staff at 303-679-2335 or 2420.

You may contact the Environmental Health Department at 303-679-2420 or click on County Online Services for a Permit Search. Enter the requested information on your property. A list of permits will appear. Select the "OWTS" type for your address. In this document is information for site, permit, contact, payment and permit attachments.

PEH-EH-Water Air Quality

Bottles for testing can be obtained from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environmental Laboratory Service Division, located at 8100 Lowry Boulevard, Denver, CO 80230. For more information regarding these services, visit the CDPHE website

Public Trustee

A cure amount is the amount necessary to bring a foreclosed loan current. The Public Trustee's foreclosure files only contain cure figures when an Intent to Cure has been filed and the figures have been received from the foreclosing attorney.

The only parties legally allowed to file an Intent to Cure include but are not limited to property owners, persons liable, grantor of evidence of debt and junior lien holders. An Intent to Cure must be filed at least fifteen days prior to the scheduled date of the Public Trustee sale.

A redemption amount is the amount necessary to pay off the Deed of Trust in default. The Public Trustee's foreclosure files do not contain these figures unless an Intent to Redeem has been filed. The figures are requested and received from the foreclosing attorney for the lender or the over-bidder at the time of the sale.

When a bankruptcy is filed, the bankruptcy court will issue a court order that prevents any creditor from attempting to collect any debt from the person who declared bankruptcy. Creditors, even though they are owed money, may not undertake foreclosure, repossession, eviction or seizure. A bankruptcy filing by the owner of the property stops the foreclosure sale until one of the following occurs: The automatic stay is lifted.The bankruptcy court abandons the property.The bankruptcy case is dismissed or closed.

Slash is any wood product removed from trees or bushes to do fire mitigation around your home and property. Please view our link on the left side of the web page for pricing. Remember all loads must be covered.

The Transfer Station will accept noxious weeds year round for free. Noxious weeds must be bagged and placed in our compactor bin. If you have questions on what weeds are noxious, visit the Public Works web page on the Clear Creek County web site and view the noxious weeds listing.

Not all trash is considered "Household" trash. "Household" trash will come from your kitchen and bathroom. Other trash from moving, clean-up, construction and furniture is "Rubble". These items are disposed of in a different area of the Transfer Station.

We ask for all loads to be covered regardless of content. We like to be considerate to our neighbors and not have trash and debris flying out of vehicles onto their property or onto roadways. We will charge double the applicable fee for un-covered loads.

Food containers, if left un-rinsed will become moldy and smelly. The Transfer Station staff physically handles all recyclables. Un-rinsed containers could pose a health risk to the staff as well as invite vermin.

Treasurer-Public Trustee

Property Tax Notices are mailed by the end of January to the owner of record, as their name and mailing address are listed on the Tax Roll. Failure to receive a property tax statement does not exempt the taxpayer from timely payment of taxes due. You have the option of making One (1) Full tax payment OR two (2) half payments. First Half Payments are due: Last day of February Second Half Payments due: June 15th OR Full payment due April 30th. If you have not received a tax notice by February 1st, please contact the Treasurer's Office.

By state statute, there is a 1% late fee charged for each month the property taxes are late. You should receive a delinquent notice in July. Delinquent taxes will be advertised in the local paper during Sept. / October for three weeks. Taxes that remain unpaid are subject to sale at the property tax lien sale which is generally held the first week in November. Note: There are additional fees added to your tax bill if your property is advertised and goes to tax lien sale.

You are able to check tax amounts, print a tax notice or tax receipt online. Credit Card payments may be made online. Please know your account number and the EXACT AMOUNT DUE. Tax Lien Payments and Endorsements may NOT be made online. There will be a Convenience fee of $0.75 + 2.25% per transaction. Call 303-679-2353.

Property taxes are the result of the assessment process and the total mill levies for the taxing authorities that provide public services to that property. The County Assessor establishes the value of all property for tax purposes. The taxing authorities use the assessed value to determine their mill levies. A mill is 1/10th of a penny or $1 for each $1,000 of assessed valuation. Value x’s mill levy = tax amount (rounded)